Top Things to Do in Paracas

Paracas, Peru

About the City

Welcome to Paracas, a seaside delight whimsically wedged between the harsh desert and the bountiful Pacific Ocean. It's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with its 'feathered' boast—the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed 'the poor man's Galapagos,' where you can spy on sea lions, penguins, and countless seabirds. The Paracas National Reserve unfurls like a technicolor dream, with a quilt of sands and seas in every shade imaginable; you'll gawk at red beaches and turquoise waters with a backdrop of desert dunes. Sun worshippers and adrenaline junkies rejoice at the vast offerings: from kitesurfing to sunbathing, there's a slice of sandy paradise for all. But alas, every paradise has its pitfalls. The heat can be a merciless companion, and the winds—oh, the winds! They can transform a calm day into a sand-blasted adventure. And if you seek nighttime revelries, you may find the town's subdued nightlife a sleepy disappointment. Accommodations range from the luxurious to the modest, capturing both the essence of escapism and the charm of simplicity. As for dining, the fresh seafood is an epicurean exploit, though the assortment may wane if your palate hungers for the international. All in all, Paracas is the ultimate seaside mystery, with enough quirks to steal your heart and just a few small vexes to keep it real.

Things to Do in Paracas

Tacu Tacu de Mariscos

Food & Drink

Buckle up for a rollercoaster of flavor with Tacu Tacu de Mariscos! This Afro-Peruvian staple rides the waves with a mix of beans and rice, then gets piled high with the fruits of the sea - think succ...

Treasure Hunt at Playa Lagunillas

Outdoors

Ahoy matey! Unleash your inner pirate and go on a treasure hunt for sea glass, shells, and unique pebbles at the picturesque Playa Lagunillas. Don't forget—you're not actually looting the booty, leave...

Seacraft Sculpting Workshop

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner artist by learning to craft traditional Peruvian seacrafts. Take a hands-on workshop where you get to work with local materials and create something memorable. It's a perfect chance...

Paracas Culture Bike Tour

The Unexpected

Pedal into history and cycle your way around the culture-rich surroundings of Paracas. Unearth the mysteries of ancient civilizations, zoom past local artworks, and maybe even have a cheeky stop for s...

Gastronomic Safari

The Unexpected

Embark on a culinary road trip and discover the hidden gems of local Peruvian cuisine! From savoring the freshest seafood to indulging in rich, flavorful stews, this foodie quest will take your taste ...

Peruvian Paso Horse Exhibition

The Unexpected

Giddy up for an elegant display of the smoothest ride in town! Witness the grace of the world-renowned Peruvian Paso horses as they prance and dance with unbelievable finesse. It's a bit like watching...

SUP Paddleboarding Perfection

Outdoors

Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP if you're into the lingo, is the chill cousin of surfing. Glide atop the Pacific, balancing like a pro, and don't forget to enjoy the sea breeze!

Fishing Like the Locals

Outdoors

Don your hat and sharpen your fishing skills with the local fisherfolk of Paracas. Get ready to wrangle some fish the traditional way, and who knows, you might just catch your dinner!

Cliff-Top Camping Extravaganza

Outdoors

Wanna sleep with the stars, literally above the sea? Grab a tent and perch yourself on a seaside cliff within the Paracas National Reserve. Camp out like you've never before, with nature's soundtrack ...

Sail into the Sunset

Outdoors

Ever wanted to play captain? Set sail and catch the best sunset views while gliding through Paracas' calm waters. Feel the breeze and let the colors of the sky take your breath away!

Causa Rellena de Pulpo al Olivo

Food & Drink

Get ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy mound of yellow potato goodness with a surprise twist - it's stuffed with the mightiest of all, tender octopus! Oh, and it's drizzled with a velvety olive sauc...

Uncover the Secrets of the Julio C. Tello Site Museum

Sights

Unlock the mysteries of the ancient Paracas culture! Swing by the Julio C. Tello Site Museum to get a mindblowing peek into a civilization that knew how to rock textiles like no one else. Come get you...

Admire the Turquoise Waters at Playa Roja

Sights

Feast your eyes on the stunning contrast of red sands against the deep blue sea at the famed Playa Roja. Don't just stand there – get those toes in the sand and wade into the picture-perfect waters!

Pisco Tasting Extravaganza

Sights

Sip your way through a delightful journey of Peru's most famous spirit – Pisco! Get ready to taste the smooth, grape-based beverage and find your favorite blend. Become a Pisco pro by the end of your ...

A Paddle in Paracas Bay

Sights

Why walk when you can paddle? Grab an oar and a board, and glide across the tranquil waters of Paracas Bay. Keep an eye out for friendly dolphins and the head bobbing of sea lions!

Pedal Power Paracas

Sights

Hop on a bike and let those legs do the talking as you explore the town of Paracas and its breezy coastline. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your back – this is freedom on two wheels!

Lomo Saltado

Food & Drink

Get your chompers around Lomo Saltado, the chameleon of Peruvian cuisine. This dish is a delicious mishmash of marinated strips of sirloin (lomo) stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and other spices. Se...

Tejas de Ica

Food & Drink

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these divine, little Peruvian sweets, known as 'tejas.' Made from pecans or other nuts and filled with caramel-like 'manjar blanco,' then coated in a sugar shell, they're...

Choritos a la Chalaca

Food & Drink

Feast your eyes and appetite on this seaside spectacle! Mussels? Check. Fresh and finely chopped tomato, onion, and kernels of Peruvian corn? Double check. Lime juice to bring all these friends togeth...

Salty Spa Day

The Unexpected

Feel like a flamin' hot potato chip as you float effortlessly in the super salty Paracas bay! It's like your own natural spa treatment, and you won't even need a rubber ducky.